Congratulations to Sam O’Reilly inking his first NHL deal! The Edmonton Oilers’ first-round pick from this June’s draft has signed with the team on a three-year, entry level deal.
https://x.com/EdmontonOilers/status/1848439136853889248?s=19
The Oilers traded into the first round in the 2024 draft just to select O’Reilly, who was praised by Rick Pracey, the team’s director of amateur scouting. Pracey complimented his work ethic, compete, and the well-roundedness of his game. Currently a centre, O’Reilly has spent time at both forward and defence during his career thus far, showcasing his versatility and hockey IQ.
O’Reilly was a fixture through the rookie tournament, training camp, and preseason, scoring his first goal in an Oilers uniform during that time.
Sam O’Reilly 2024–25 outlook
O’Reilly did not make the Oilers out of training camp and was sent back to the OHL’s London Knights to continue his development with fellow Oilers prospect William Nicholl.
He will be looking to build on a strong rookie season with the Knights in which he had 56 points in 68 games. Currently, through his first seven games, O’Reilly has two goals and five points.
The biggest area for O’Reilly to continue improving is building his offensive skillset. That will be the aspect of his game that holds him back from a top six role in the NHL, though his defensive abilities should assure him a place in a bottom six and penalty killing role in the future.
He is already one of the team’ top prospects and should continue to grow over the next couple of seasons before turning pro, hopefully in an Oilers jersey.
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